“Yeah.”

  “Do you want to do something tomorrow?”

  “Sure,” I said, with a smile.

  “Great. What time are you done with your classes?”

  “11 am.”

  “Can you be ready by noon?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Okay. I’ll pick you up then.”

  “What should I wear?”

  “Something comfortable.”

  I smiled. “Okay. See you then.”

  “Goodnight, Briar.”

  “Goodnight, Kallen.

  9

  Kallen

  I watched as Briar got in her car and drove off. I’d asked her on a date and told her to wear something comfortable, but I had no idea what we were going to do. I looked at the time, it was too late to call Max for an idea, he’d be asleep already. So, I got in my truck and went home.

  When I turned the last corner in my driveway, there was an unfamiliar car sitting in front of my house. I was immediately suspicious and got out of my truck slowly. The person in the car opened their door and I relaxed. It was my youngest sister, Jan. But then I smelled that she was hurt, and I was ready to fight.

  “Kallen,” Jan said from her car. “I’m alone. You can calm down.”

  “You’re hurt, I’m not going to calm down,” I said, in a growl.

  “Can we just go inside, please?” she asked quietly.

  I couldn’t say no to her, so I went to her car door to help her. She let me, so she must have been pretty hurt. My sisters were normally fiercely independent.

  I got her inside and on the couch. I went to the kitchen and started making mom’s famous healing tea. It was a concoction of different herbs, but it really did help speed up the healing. When it was done, I took Jan a cup and sat down beside her.

  She took a sip. “Thank you,” she said. “Tastes just like moms.”

  “What happened?” I asked, getting straight to the point.

  “I was dating this new guy. Everything was great for the first few months. But then he got more and more controlling. Finally, I’d had enough. I told him I was breaking up with him and he lost it.”

  “Shifter?” I asked.

  She nodded.

  “When did this happen?”

  “A couple of days ago.”

  “Then why aren’t you healed yet?”

  “He used a silver knife and some kind of silver infused gloves.”

  If we were hurt, we normally healed very quickly, but when silver was involved, we healed almost humanly slow. I looked at the injuries I could see. Her face was swollen and bruised. I saw cuts on her arms and hands. She had favored her one leg when we walked in, and by the way, she was talking, I was sure there were many other injuries under her shirt.

  “Where is he?” I demanded.

  “Kallen …” she started.

  “No, Jan, he needs to pay for this. Either you tell me where he is, and I deal with it this weekend, or I quit my job and search for him myself. We take care of our own.”

  I could see her contemplating what I said. She must have believed me, because she told me his name and where to find me. I made a few phone calls. If I was going to do this, I wasn’t going alone.

  “You’ll stay here with me until you’re better. I’m leaving at first light tomorrow morning to deal with this. Promise me you’ll stay here until I get back.”

  “I promise.”

  I may have been the baby of the family, but I was the one that usually solved the problems, and this was going to be no exception. No one treated my family like this and got away with it.

  10

  Briar

  My first yoga class of the day was over, and I was headed to the bakery for my usual snacks. I waved to Max and took a seat. He knew what I wanted. I saw Mae come in and waved her over to me. She ordered then joined me.

  “So, how has your first full week working been?” I asked, sipping my latte.

  “Great. I’ve been so busy, but I like it that way. Less time for me to dwell on the past.”

  “I get that. Have you met anybody else?”

  “Not really, just you,” she admitted.

  “Well, there are lots of friendly people here, give it some time.”

  That was the same advice I’d given myself when I arrived in this town. I had a tendency to keep everyone away, but when I got here, I decided to really give the town a chance. It was the best advice I’d ever given myself.

  We talked until it was time for me to get back to the studio. I was really starting to like Mae; she reminded me a lot of myself a couple of years ago.

  When the next class was over, I went home and showered. Now the hard part was deciding what to wear. Comfortable could mean a lot of different things. I finally settled on some yoga pants, a tight tank top, and a slouchy sweatshirt. It was a cute outfit, but still comfortable.

  I checked the time. Kallen wasn’t going to be here for another fifteen minutes, so I decided to text Geneva.

  Me: You busy?

  Geneva: No. What’s up?

  Me: Nothing really. Just waiting for Kallen to get here.

  Geneva: Hot date?

  Me: I don’t know about hot. He told me to wear something comfortable, so I have no idea what he has planned.

  Geneva: I’m assuming he meant like yoga pants and not lingerie, right?

  Me: I’m assuming the same thing. You know I don’t even own lingerie.

  Geneva: We still need to fix that. I must take you shopping.

  Me: Whatever. How was the rest of your night?

  Geneva: It was great. The things that man can do with his tongue should be illegal.

  Me: Stop! I don’t want details.

  Geneva: LOL! Fine, but if you need tips, I’m your girl.

  Me: I know that’s right.

  Geneva: When is your date?

  Me: He should be here right away.

  Geneva: Ok. Have fun.

  I put my phone down and took one last look in the mirror. I’d taken a little extra time with my hair today, which meant it looked messier than usual. I used to have long hair, but I cut it all off when I left home. Sometimes I missed it, but most of the time I still loved the short messy style it was now.

  It was just after noon and there was no sign of Kallen. I waited ten more minutes before going out to the parking lot. His truck wasn’t there, so I went back to my place. I texted him and when there was no response five minutes later, I called. It went straight to voicemail.

  Maybe he forgot to charge his phone, I thought, giving him the benefit of the doubt. I picked up my eReader and started reading.

  By 1:00 I was starting to get a little worried. I’d called his phone a couple more times and it still went straight to voicemail. I decided to call Geneva.

  “I thought you were supposed to be on a date,” she said, when she answered.

  “Me too. Have you heard from Kallen?”

  “No. This is his weekend off, so I didn’t plan on hearing from him until Monday morning.”

  “I’m going to go over to his place,” I told her. “Maybe he’s sick.”

  “You know werewolves don’t get sick, Briar.”

  “I know, but I don’t have another explanation. I don’t take him for the type of guy to just blow off someone.”

  “Yeah, me either. Especially, after he’s worked so hard to try and get you to go out with him. I’ll come with you.”

  “It’s the middle of the day and sunny. You can’t go outside. I’ll be fine. I’m a big strong witch, remember.”

  “Who hasn’t used her powers in a long time,” she said.

  “I’ll be fine. I’ll call you and let you know what I find out.”

  “I’m giving you thirty minutes. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll be sending someone out there.”

  “Fine. Talk to you in a bit.”

  I hung up and went straight to my car. I couldn’t imagine what was going on with Kallen, that he’d not only stood me up, but didn’t even call to let me know he wouldn’t be there. That didn’t sound like him, but then again, I didn’t know him outside of work very well yet.

  When I pulled up in front of his house, I noticed his truck wasn’t there, but a car was parked next to where he normally parked. I gathered my courage and went to the front door. I knocked and waited. When there was no answer, I knocked again. Finally, the door opened, but it’s not what I was expecting. A woman stood there, and it looked like she’d been beaten up.

  “Can I help you?” she said.

  “Um … I was wondering if Kallen was here.”

  “No, he’s not. Who are you?” she asked.

  “I’m a friend of his from school. We had plans and he didn’t show up, so I came to see if he was alright. Who are you?” I asked her back.

  I know I sounded suspicious. The truth was that she was gorgeous, even with the bruises, and I was trying not to be jealous.

  “I’m his sister,” she said, like she was waiting for me to challenge her.

  “Oldest, middle, or youngest sister?” I asked.

  “Youngest.”

  “Then you must be Jan,” I said, with confidence.

  She smiled a little. “Do you want to come in?” she asked.

  “Will you tell me where Kallen is?”

  “Sure. You’re probably not going to like it, but I’ll tell you.”

  I had no idea what she meant by that, but I went inside and followed her to the kitchen. She was making something on the stove. It smelled terrible. I took a seat at the counter.

  “It’s probably none of my business, but are you alright?” I asked.

  “You mean, the bruises and cuts?”

  I nodded.

  “Yeah, I’m okay. I’ve almost fully healed, so I’m feeling much better. My injuries are the reason Kallen isn’t here. My ex-boyfriend beat me up a few days ago. I came to Kallen because he’s the fixer in our family. He went to take care of the problem.”

  “I see. I can’t say I blame him. Anyone that does that to someone they are supposed to care about, doesn’t deserve anything but retribution.”

  I think my statement shocked her. I was all about an eye for an eye when necessary.

  “You sound like you’re speaking from experience,” she said.

  “Let’s just say, I didn’t have the best childhood.”

  It was her turn to nod.

  “I have to ask you another question,” I said. “What is that horrible smell?”

  Jan laughed. “It’s mom’s healing tea. It’s made of up a bunch of different herbs. It doesn’t taste as bad as it smells. Want to try some?”

  I wasn’t really sure I did, but I told her to pour me a cup. As I took my first sip, I was prepared to spit it out, but she was right; it didn’t taste all that bad.

  “It’s interesting, but not terrible,” I told her. Then I remembered Geneva. “I need to make a phone call, or we’ll have the cavalry here.”

  I quickly dialed Geneva.

  “Well?” she said, as she answered.

  “He’s gone to take care of a family problem. His sister is here.”

  “So, you’re okay?”

  “Yep. I’m all good,” I told her.

  “Okay then. I’ll see you later,” she said, and hung up.

  “That was one of your brother’s co-workers. She’s a little protective of me,” I said, with a smile. “Thank you for the tea, but I should get out of your hair. Please tell Kallen to call Briar when he gets back.”

  “You can stay if you like,” Jan offered. “I’m not supposed to leave here until he gets back, and I’m already bored out of my mind. I mean, the guy doesn’t even have a TV.”

  I grinned at her. “I was shocked by that too. Did Kallen give you instructions that you couldn’t go anywhere at all? Like even with a friend of his?”

  “He didn’t specify where I was to stay, just here. What have you got in mind?” she asked.

  “How would you like to come to my place? I can give you a tour of the school and we can watch TV until we pass out.”

  “I’m in.”

  Jan grabbed her phone and purse, then I drove us back to the school. We went straight to the main building. I showed her my classroom then we went down to the security office.

  “Hey Geneva,” I said, walking in. “This is Jan, one of Kallen’s sisters.”

  Geneva gave her a once over. “Do you need a doctor?”

  “No, I’m fine. Really. I actually look a hundred times worse than I did a couple of days ago.”

  “Shouldn’t you be healed by now?” Geneva asked.

  “The guy used some kind of silver gloves.”

  “Asshole,” Geneva muttered. “I’m assuming he’s the problem Kallen went to take care of.”

  “Yep.”

  “Good. Nothing I hate more than a man who hurts a woman. So, what are you guys up to?” Geneva asked.

  “I’m relieving Jan from a day full of boredom. I thought I’d show her the school and then take her to my place and we’d just veg out.”

  “We still on for tonight?” Geneva asked.

  “Yep. I already have the movies ready.”

  “Good, see you later.”

  We left the security office and continued with the tour.

  “So, that’s who my brother works with all the time?”

  I nodded.

  “She’s gorgeous. Have they ever been an item?”

  I had to laugh at that. “No, most of the time they can’t stand each other, or at least they act that way. They are both in charge of security, so they argue more than they don’t.”

  “That sounds like my brother. He’s kind of bossy.”

  “He doesn’t really act like the baby of the family, does he?” I asked her.

  “No. From the time he was a teenager, he always seemed older.”

  “How much of an age difference is there between the two of you?”

  “Less than two years. We’ve always been pretty close.”

  “That must be nice. I was an only child.”

  “Don’t get me wrong,” Jan said, with a smile, “there were times I wanted to kill him, and my other siblings too for that matter, but I wouldn’t trade my family for anything.”

  It was times like this that I hated my mother even more for not allowing me to have a normal childhood.

  12

  Briar

  We finished the tour and I took Jan to my place. I made coffee and let her pick what we watched. It turned out we had similar tastes, so I had no complaints about what she was choosing. At dinner time, we drove into town and picked up a couple of pizzas. When we were finished, I opened a bottle of wine. I poured us each a glass and we sat down on the couch.

  “Thank you,” Jan said. “You really saved me today.”

  “You’re welcome,” I told her. “Geneva is coming over later. We’re planning on watching a couple of superhero movies. She has some kind of unnatural obsession with guys who have superhuman powers.”

  Jan snorted. “That’s cool with me. I can appreciate men in tight, colorful uniforms.”

  That made me laugh. “Feel free to spend the night if you want. After a couple of glasses of wine, I won’t be going anywhere, but Geneva will be able to get you home.”

  “I’ll probably crash here. Kallen’s cabin is nice, but boring.”

  I giggled.

  “How long have you two been together?” Jan asked me.

  “Oh, we’re not together. We’ve worked together for over a year, but only been on two dates. He’s been asking me for a year to go out with him. I finally agreed, but only if he did one of my yoga classes. How was I to know he was at an expert level in yoga?”

  Jan laughed. “He got you there. We’ve all been doing yoga since we could walk.”

  “Yeah, I found that out after. I’d even made the class extra hard and he kept up the whole time. I’m not sure the rest of the class was very happy with me.”

  “Do you teach here at the school?”

  “Not yoga. I do that three times a week in town. Here, I’m the Meditation Instructor.”

  “I wish I would have had a cool class like meditation when I was in school.”

  I laughed. “I’m not sure very many schools teach it, and truthfully, I think the Dean just made it up so I could have a job here.”

  “These kids are lucky to have a place that they don’t have to hide who they really are,” Jan said.

  “I agree. The regular school was a nightmare for me.”

  “Where are you from?” she asked.

  “New Mexico.”

  “Ooooh, I love it there. Do you ski or snowboard?”

  “No. I was from the southern part of the state and I never got to do anything fun.”

  “That sucks. One day you’ll have to try snowboarding. It’s so much fun.”

  “What’s so much fun?” Geneva asked, as she walked in.

  “Snowboarding,” Jan answered.

  “Snow has never really been my thing,” Geneva said. “So, are we ready for a lot of hot men running around saving the world?”

  We all agreed. I started the movie and for the next few hours, we got our fill of hot guys.

  By the time the second movie was over, I was grinning from ear-to-ear. That was partly due to the wine, but mostly because of the company. It was a blast watching with both Jan and Geneva. The things that came out of their mouths sometimes would make a sailor blush.

  Geneva left to go do her rounds of the school, and I got Jan a blanket and pillow for the couch. With half a bottle of wine in me, it didn’t take me long to fall asleep.

  * * *

  A loud, pounding on the door woke me up the next morning. I ran to the door to see who it was. I looked through the peephole, but didn’t recognize the person on the other side.

  “Who is it?” I asked.

  “My name is Cowboy. I’m a friend of Kallen’s. I was told to come here and bring his sister, and someone named Briar, back to his cabin.”

  By this time, Jan was beside me.

  “He’s a wolf,” Jan said, sniffing the air. “What’s the password?” she asked him.

  “Slinky. It’s urgent.”

 

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